Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital and Zayed National Museum Launch “Morning Hour” Program for Seniors with Memory Impairment

In a dedicated effort to enhance the mental well-being of seniors experiencing memory impairment, Zayed National Museum, in collaboration with Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital under Emirates Health Services (EHS), announces the launch of the “Morning Hour” program. This unique initiative consists of five interactive workshops aimed at fostering communication and evoking memories in a way that contributes to improving quality of life and enhancing mental health. It also aims to reduce social isolation and encourage more cohesive communication.

Integrating History and Art to Reawaken Memories

The “Morning Hour” program offers seniors a unique opportunity to engage with the museum’s collections and their surroundings through a variety of creative workshops, including painting and printing. Participants will utilize natural and locally sourced materials such as clay, plants, fabrics, and natural dyes to create artworks inspired by themes like heritage and the stunning landscapes of the UAE. This approach not only connects art with memory but also helps participants recall personal experiences and express their emotions. By merging traditional customs with contemporary artistic practices, the program aims to stimulate memory and enhance sensory engagement.

Promoting Community Integration

Dr. Noor Al Mheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at EHS, emphasized EHS’ commitment to enhancing mental well-being in line with the leadership’s vision for community welfare. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop innovative initiatives that foster community integration and provide comprehensive mental health services tailored to the needs of all societal segments, in partnership with various cultural and community organizations.

A Supportive Environment for Creativity and Innovation

Dr. Ammar Albanna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, affirmed that the “Morning Hour” program significantly contributes to the hospital’s mission to promote mental health. He noted that the program empowers participants to express themselves creatively, enhancing their overall quality of life. Dr. Albanna praised the collaboration with Zayed National Museum, which enriches the initiative with artistic inspiration drawn from authentic Emirati heritage, underscoring EHS’ role in fostering a nurturing environment for creativity and innovation in integrated mental health services.

Nassra Al Buainain, Acting Learning & Public Engagement Director at Zayed National Museum, stated that this partnership with Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital reflects the museum’s commitment to enhancing community participation and disseminating knowledge through creativity and culture. She emphasized the essential role of museums in reaching community segments that may face challenges in accessing cultural spaces. The program encourages deeper connections through art inspired by the UAE’s rich history and heritage, enabling participants to explore their identities and find their place in the world. By fostering emotional connections through sensory interactions with various materials, the program aims to enhance the participants' mental health.

The “Morning Hour” program is part of a broader array of events launched by Emirates Health Services during October under the theme “Our Mental Health is Everyone’s Responsibility.” These initiatives include exhibitions and workshops designed to elevate the quality of life for the Emirati community. Highlights include an innovation exhibition showcasing modern treatment techniques for mental health issues, and the “Art of Hope” exhibition, held in collaboration with the Dubai Center for Special Needs, which features the artistic expressions of hospital patients and exceptional contributions from students with special needs. A special ceremony will also honor the winners of the “Mental Health Campaign” competition for their innovative ideas, which will be implemented in EHS’ projects.

Additionally, the Mental Health Awareness Month agenda includes the “Customer Councils” initiative, part of the UAE government's national initiative, which serves as an effective and direct communication channel with customers from various backgrounds to better understand their needs and expectations. This initiative aims to improve the services provided by Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital by addressing the needs of patients and their families, ensuring the development of services and the provision of outstanding mental healthcare.

This series of initiatives represents a significant advancement in Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital’s continuous efforts to enhance mental health services, aligning with Emirates Health Services commitment to achieving national goals in this field and establishing the UAE as a leader in integrated healthcare.